If you’re anything like me, you lead a busy life.
Work.
Family.
Friends.
Getting healthy.
Ministry.
Me time.
Oh, wait. That last one? Doesn’t happen too often in my life. (I know, I need to work on that.)
No, if you’re like me, you go, go, go until you pretty much collapse. Vacations often aren’t relaxing either, even if they’re an awesome change of pace, because you want to experience, experience, experience.
So when, exactly, do we get a chance to rest?
I’m a big proponent of resting regularly–taking those much-needed breaks when we actually need them. You know, before we give all we’ve got and fizzle out.
But alas, though I’m a proponent of it, I don’t listen to my own advice. I have the hardest time resting. I feel like I’m lazy if I spend all day reading a book. Or watching TV. Or spending a ton of time with family when there is much to be done.
Thank goodness God knows better than me.
I just spent the last week and a half off of work. I had a mini “stay-cation” with my husband. We took time out to spend time together. Time reading. Time watching TV (and yes, we may have watched nearly the entire last season of Chuck in one day…no judging!). Time with friends. Time just doing whatever we felt like.
At first, I felt guilty. After all, I have a novel to revise, a class to prepare for (teaching-wise), blog posts to write, meals to plan, a bathroom to clean…etc., etc., etc.
But then, I settled in. God gave me peace about resting. He reminded me that he told us to set aside a day of rest every week. He’s a proponent of resting when we need to. (Hmmm, guess I got the idea from Him.)
And time with people? It’s never, never wasted. So often I get focused on doing, achieving, checking stuff off my list.
And I forget to enjoy the relationships in my life. The great joy that comes from truly connecting, laughing, being real with others–beyond the everyday, surface-level “Hi-how-are-you-today?”
So props to God for making me heed my own advice…and for helping me to feel a peace in doing so.
Your Turn: Are you as bad as I am about resting regularly? Or have you established a good “rest routine”? If so, I’d love to hear it!
*Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I wish you a ☆ :: * Happy-New-Year * :: ☆ From Japan.!! God bless you during 2013!
Ryoma Sakamoto.
"So often I get focused on doing, achieving, checking stuff off my list." I can so relate to this. Especially with a four-year-old at home, I have to remind myself it's okay if my house is a mess and if I miss my daily word count goal as long as I'm feeding energy into my relationships every day.
Just basked in it (even though it took 4 days to drive to and from FL.) I still managed to get some great times of rest! So, so important and needed.
~ Wendy
I had several days off in a row for Christmas, then again for New Year's. Sadly I felt overwhelmed by my to-do list that I didn't take much downtime, and when I did have downtime, I felt guilty about it. This year is going to be different as I allow God to order my calendar and my to-do list. He needs to be my priority. And when He tells me to rest, I need to rest. I do get together with my friends once a month for downtime. And I'm determined to spend Sundays as a true day of rest instead of a day of getting ready for my week. Great post, LindsAy!
I do Christmas. No, not "we", but I do it. Someone may do some of the shopping and buy a few of the goodies, but let's face it, Yours Truly throws down an awesome dinner and feeds everyone a massive turkey with all the trimmings. Oh, and who decorates? Me and one or two of the kids. Who cleans the house? Nobody, but that's an issue for Dr Phil. Who makes sure there is asparagus, squash and CHEESECAKE on the menu? Holla!!
Who drops like a rock on the 26th? Moi. And who guards the door so I can rest? Mr Major. He's a very smart boy.
Tip from an almost 50 year old. Learn how keep the quiet times, because there ARE only 24 hours in a day, and they shrink when you force them to carry too much.
I admit I have no problem resting. I never feel guilty for reading or watching TV, maybe I should. I have an inch of dust, but life is short and the truth is when I get to Heaven, God won't ask me about my dust as nearly as much as He'll ask me about following His commands and one of them, is rest. I try to take at least one day, not necessarily Sunday to have a down day and not go go go. 🙂 Love you.
Yay for rest! I go in phases…sometimes I don't allow myself any rest. Other times, I find myself resting so much I sink into intense laziness. Haha! But yeah, it's something I want to work on being intentional about.
I am not a rester. Yeah, I was out of control. Since I've had my knee surgery at the end of November, I have taken to resting more – I had no choice in the matter. Sometimes I think God makes you rest before he gives you something that needs to be done…so I'm resting.
Happy New Year, Lindsay!
I'm with Jess on this one. I take full advantage of down days when I get them, and I don't usually feel guilty about it. 🙂 Plus my family can tell (based on my snappy comments) when I need a rest. On those days I'd rather be alone and reading/movie watching, etc. than saying careless things because of my exhausted (careless) self. Glad you got some time to sit and enjoy life with your hubby and friends. That's the good stuff!
Yes! I'm awful about resting. Recently I asked my hubs, "Why don't you ever hold me anymore?" He said "If you'd stop moving for a minute, I might be able to catch you." LOL
That was eye-opening! I'm trying to rest more too. Great post!
I love how your "stay-cation" provide new insights into rest for you, sweet Friend. Rest is so very critical on every level – especially God time and writing inspiration. Rest for me comes intentionally. That may sound weird, but I have to schedule it in and stick to it. Each morning between 6-7am is coffee, breakfast and quiet time in the Word and prayer. That's non-negotiable. Period. The rest of my rest gets worked in as I see my overall week's agenda. Sometimes it's on a plane on the way to do ministry. Other times, it's worshiping on the drive home from work. I'll be praying that God provides for you those intentional times of rest, as well — and LOTS more stay-cations!
ME TIME!?!? Hmmm… going to have to work on that one. 😛
Sounds like I'm not the only one to struggle with taking time out to rest! Thank you to those who offered suggestions…I do really like the idea of taking off a day to rest every week. I wonder how different my life would feel if I did that? Hmmm. Pondering…